Reinforcing waterproofing impregnations for concrete:

In this article we will talk about what constitutes waterproofing impregnation for concrete, how it is used and how to choose the best option for a particular structure.

If at the initial pores of the development of technology for casting concrete products, the builders were forced to put up with the porous structure of the material, then at present the situation is different. There were fundamentally new technologies for processing finished concrete structures and structures in order to give them additional water-repellent qualities.

The presence of micropores turns into two main problems, namely:

• low hydrophobicity due to the fact that moisture seeps into the micropores;
• insufficient material density and, as a result, a decrease in the strength characteristics of the finished structure.

Thanks to the new concrete processing technologies, there is a unique opportunity to turn a porous structure into a dense waterproof stone. This advantage is especially important in the construction of concrete foundations, monolithic walls and other supporting structures, which in accordance with the scope of application can be in contact with moisture.

Benefits Guaranteed by Impregnation

Hydrophobic impregnation for concrete is a wide range of primers designed for application to the surface of ready-made concrete products. Processing of concrete surfaces with these means allows to protect the surface layer from the destructive influence of a number of environmental factors.

The process of applying primers is called impregnation, water repellency or dust removal of concrete. Despite the fact that various impregnating fluids of various composition are present on the market, all of them, in addition to waterproofing, perform a strengthening function.

Main varieties

• Impregnation from mold for concrete to the brand M350 allows to solve two problems:

1. the creation on the material surface of a dense polymer film clogging pores;
2. hardening of concrete to a depth of up to 10 mm.

Selection of impregnating compositions is carried out in accordance with the current state of concrete, that is, the presence of chips and cracks is taken into account, and the thickness of the screed, the type of fillers used are taken into account.

Due to the correct type of impregnation, the material of the screed from a small mark is conventionally converted into a concrete-concrete composition with strength corresponding to the M600 grade. Moreover, the application of impregnations in several layers makes it possible to obtain a brilliant coating that is externally similar to lacquered.

Important: To date, the use of polymer impregnation is considered the most economical and at the same time effective way to solve the problem of dusting concrete for a period of over 3 years.

• Impregnation of high-quality and dense concretes (above M350) is characterized by the same properties as similar products used with low-quality concretes. The essential difference between these products is their two-component composition and high degree of fluidity. The main condition in this case is the absence of capillary suction of water.
• Impregnation of a vapor-permeable type is used to harden the top layer of concrete, without forming a dense polymer film on it. This property allows excess moisture to evaporate naturally, without subjecting the tie to delamination or cracking. Vapor-permeable impregnations are applied with their own hands on concrete surfaces once, as they are not washed out during the entire service life. Means of vapor permeable type are made mainly using epoxy base.

Principle of action

Impregnating waterproofing of concrete is characterized by deep penetrating power. This tool has a liquid consistency and after applying structures and structures to the surface penetrates micropores.

Having filled the porous structure, the waterproofing dries out for a certain time. As a result, practically monolithic concrete is formed, which has an extremely low water-absorbing ability.

Properly performed hardening of concrete surfaces will provide reliable protection against the absorption of water, oils, chemical solvents and other liquids. But the waterproofing of concrete, made by impregnation, does not protect against groundwater. Such problems are effectively solved by complex waterproofing of concrete surfaces.

Scope of application and the average cost of impregnating waterproofing

Water-repellent impregnation for concrete has found wide application in the construction and arrangement:

• open concrete pads;
• warehouse space;
• production workshops;
• car washes and car services;
• parking lots;
• livestock farms;
• trade and exhibition halls;
• buildings and administrative purposes.

Selection of impregnations is carried out in accordance with the degree of surface moisture. In the event that the concrete is dry and subsequently no excessive exposure to high humidity is expected, it is advisable to use epoxy or viscous polyurethane impregnations.

If the surface is wet or concrete is dense, a deep penetration polyurethane impregnation should be applied. As a rule, these are two-component compositions, which after preparation are characterized by high fluidity. Vapor-permeable impregnation can be applied on exposed concrete surfaces without waterproofing.

The average cost of hardening of concrete through impregnating agents is about 300 rubles / m ?. This price includes the cost of purchasing materials and the work of specialists.

Work is carried out in several stages:

• foundation preparation;
• removal of cement jelly in several passes with a grinding machine;
• dust removal;
• double application of impregnation at the rate of 0.5 kg / m? in one run.

Important: Do you think that the price of impregnation of concrete is high? In this case, you can harden the floor screed or other surfaces with your own hands. But, due to the lack of special equipment and skills to carry out these works, the result may be less successful.

Recommendations and general requirements for hardening and waterproofing impregnating compounds

• The base should not be wet (slight moisture is allowed in the absence of water in the pores).
• Work is carried out at a relative humidity of up to 90%.
• Work is carried out at a base temperature of 3 ° C more than the dew point.
• Ambient temperature not less than + 5 ° С and not more than + 25 ° C.
• The temperature of the processed material is not less than + 10 ° С.
• Freshly laid concrete after laying must be kept for 14 days or more.
• Impregnating materials should be applied with brushes or rollers resistant to solvents.

Important: If the impregnating agents peel off after applying and drying, it means that the base was not dedusted or was not sufficiently dry. If during the waterproofing works, small debris hit the surface of the screed, before applying the next layer, the contamination should be removed using a spatula or sandpaper of medium grain.

Application technology

The instruction of waterproofing and hardening of concrete is phased and implies the following work:

• Prepare the base. At this stage, remove the loose surface layer, ironing layer, cement milk, pollution, etc. The preparatory work is carried out by means of a grinding machine, processing the surface to a depth of 1.5 mm. The main task, which is pursued at this stage, is the discovery of micropores. In order to reach the filler pattern (cut of rubble), as if the reinforced concrete was cut with diamond circles, it is necessary to grind the concrete in three passes. The first pass is a rough grinding (peeling), the second is an abrasive treatment of medium grain, the third is the finishing of fine-grained grinding devices.
• We prepare materials for use. At this stage, we mix the components necessary for the preparation of the primer with a mixer for 1-3 minutes.

Important: Preparation of two-component soils is carried out in portions, which can be consumed within 1 hour!

• We apply impregnation on a previously prepared surface. At this stage it should be ensured that the soil is not collected in puddles when used. If puddles form, they need to be quickly dispersed. Deep penetration primer is applied in layers with an interval necessary for drying the previous layer. The subsequent layer can be applied immediately after the coating has lost its stickiness. At an air temperature of +20 ° C and a humidity of 70%, the second layer is applied already 1 hour after the first layer is laid, and the third layer 2 hours after the second layer is laid.

Important: The parameters of the primer consumption depend both on the brand strength of the concrete and on a number of side factors. Therefore, in order to determine the degree of consumption, it is advisable to perform a trial application.

Safety when working with two-component soils

When working with deep penetration primers, it is recommended to use personal protective equipment, including:

• anti-gas respirators;
• cotton bathrobes;
• gloves (cotton or rubber);
• rubber-soled shoes;
• protective glasses.

Conclusion

Now you know how and with what materials impregnation of concrete surfaces is carried out. Are there any questions that require comprehensive explanations? In this case, watch the video in this article.